Samsung's briefing in the sky

Samsung recently briefed journalists on its new laptops, but in order to do so, first lifted them 40m into the Sydney skyline.

In the shaky winds we sat as Samsung introduced its new range. Chief among its laptops was the R580 and R780, 15.6- and 17.1-inch models respectively. Based off the Core i5 and i3 architecture, all feature GeForce 300 series based graphics, 500GB hard drives and are built on Intel's HM55 chipset.

Also launched was a refreshed netbook line, including the N150 and the N210, which contained the new Atom N450 processor and are set at an RRP of $499 and $599 respectively, the major difference being a six cell battery in the N210.

Yeah, that's high. Samsung prepares to hoist Sydney's laptop journalists up in the air.

The rig that would be hoisted by the crane. Each of the seats could swivel about 180 degrees.

Emmanuele Silanesu, Samsung Australia's IT National Product and Marketing manager, acclimatises himself to the rig — he'll soon be walking up and down the plank, giving a presentation.

Still on the ground, we were all being strapped in. If anyone panicked and gave a thumbs down signal, the crew would bring down the rig at any time. No one did, despite a decent wind blowing.

Halfway up, and the view's already interesting.

The view downwards was a bit scarier. While this guy was holding a rope, we're not sure he's designated belayer.

Looking out over Sydney city.

The full 40 metres up, and suddenly my shoe is bigger than the crane.

The chairs extended from the main platform, with merely a footrest to make you feel more ... safe.

We never did figure out what the knives and forks were for.

Hello tiny umbrella people!

The crane operator gets us down safely. Well done sir, well done.

The R580, a 15.6-inch, Core i3 or i5 powered laptop with Nvidia graphics and a 500GB hard drive. The R780 looks almost identical, save for its 17.1-inch screen size. It comes in red, and that's your only choice.

The N150, in either blue or white, is a 10.1-inch netbook with an Atom N450 processor. It'll set you back about AU$499.

The N210 comes in black alone, and is a 10.1-inch netbook with an Atom N450. Its trump card over the N150 is a six-cell battery, and should sell for AU$599.